Does sterling silver hold any value? Yes. Because it is made up of 92.5% pure silver, sterling silver is worth 92.5% of the current silver price.
Quality sterling silver holds value because of what it is and how it is made. Work with reputable manufacturers of silver jewelry and consumer products to ensure that you offer your customers the very best.
High-quality sterling silver jewelry can last a lifetime if properly cared for. Although it may tarnish over time, regular cleaning and polishing will help keep your jewelry like new. Simple regular cleaning with a soft cloth and mild soap will keep your sterling silver shining.
Sterling silver normally lasts 20 to 30 years if the owner cares well for it. However, your sterling silver can last forever if you care for it properly. Made up of 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper, sterling silver requires some special care. If you own any sterling silver jewelry, you should know how to care for it well.
Background. When silver is exposed to sulfur-containing gases in the air, it discolours and then darkens as it reacts with the gas to form a surface layer of tarnish. This process is called tarnishing, as explained below in The science of silver tarnish and its cause.
Sterling silver tarnishes when exposed to salty air, chlorine, sulfur, humidity, perspiration, cosmetics, household bleach and other strong chemicals.
The main downside of sterling silver is its softness. It may scratch and bend under repetitive daily wear, pressure or sudden knocks. Thin silver rings, in particular, may not wear well over a long time if you have an active lifestyle and wear them constantly. Sterling silver jewellery will eventually tarnish.
925 silver, often referred to as sterling silver, is, in fact, real silver though it is an alloy rather than pure silver. 925 silver means your item is 92.5% silver and 7.5% another metal, such as copper. This means that your 925 silver is valuable and can be sold.
Usually, eight out of 10 pieces made of . 925 silver are worth the material value. One troy ounce of pure silver is worth $24.15 today and one troy ounce of . 925 silver is worth $24.15.
Silver is hypoallergenic, but sterling silver is not because it's combined with zinc. Sterling silver is more easily tarnished than fine silver because of the other metals it contains. While 925 sterling silver is less “pure” than silver, it does not mean it's not good.
Since sterling silver has a lower percentage of silver than pure silver, sterling silver is less expensive. Of the three types of metals, it's typically the least expensive choice. You'll also find more jewelry options in sterling silver since it's a more accessible material to mold into different shapes.
ARE YOUR JEWELRY PAWN-ABLE? Yes! Both Silver and Gold are precious metals. If you purchase pure 925 silver electroplated in 24k gold jewelry, you can have this pawned at pawnshops who ACCEPT SILVER.
Sterling silver and 925 silver are both composed of the same silver alloy blend; the only difference is in the names. The international benchmark for describing Sterling Silver is "925 Sterling Silver." Silver makes up 92.5 percent of 925 Silver, with copper making up the remaining 7.5 percent.
925 silver oxidizes when exposed to air leading to chemical changes in its wake. Using a soft white cloth, rub a small part of the jewelry, if the surface produces a black mark it would mean that the product is sterling silver. On the other hand, the color change would be absent in fake merchandise.
Light and Durable
Due to the mixture of copper in the metal, sterling silver is much more durable and lightweight than pure silver. It is even stronger than gold but so lightweight that it makes the perfect choice for everyday jewelry like small earrings, rings, or bracelets.
White gold is stronger and more durable than silver. The combination of metals give white gold its color and durability. Without it, pure gold is just as soft as pure silver.
Keep in a cool, dark place: as mentioned earlier, sunlight, heat and moisture accelerate tarnishing. Be sure to keep your silver in a cool, dark place. Store pieces individually: storing your pieces separately prevents any chance of jewelry scratching or tangling with each other.
Some people are allergic to sterling silver, and wearing it can result in skin irritations. Sterling silver is a delicate metal, more prone to damage and tarnishing. It can be easily scratched, and it tends to bend out of shape after a long period of time. It can be very expensive, and not everyone can afford it.
Pure silver is known for being soft and malleable, whereas sterling silver (also known as 925 silver) is much stronger and more pliable. This makes it easier to create intricate and unique designs with 925 silver jewelry.
Sterling Silver is considered more elegant than stainless steel, and the jewelry pieces usually have unique finishes. Stainless steel, on the other hand, is durable and stronger than sterling silver.
Though tarnish on silver doesn't reduce its monetary value, it can make it unsightly. Cleaning and polishing the bars can bring back their natural beautiful luster.
Clean Silver with Vinegar
This cleaning agent is a great option for many things, including your tarnished silver. Mix 1/2 cup of white vinegar with 2 tablespoons of baking soda in a bowl of lukewarm water. Let the silver soak for two to three hours. Rinse with cold water and let airdry.
Tarnish is the oxidization that occurs when air-borne sulfurs and chlorides are present, causing a yellowish cast on the sterling silver. If left without being cleaned, the tarnish becomes brown and eventually turns a dark and iridescent purple/black.
10k White Gold Pros:
It is significantly more durable and scratch resistant than platinum and sterling silver, due to the lower gold content. It is an excellent choice for those who are in search of a bargain but who still want a beautiful piece of jewelry.
In conclusion, while it may be tempting to keep your favorite 925 sterling silver pieces on at all times, it's best to remove them before showering. The combination of soap, shampoo, hot water, steam, and general wear and tear in a shower environment can lead to tarnishing, discoloration, and physical damage.